The trip takes approx. one hour

Hi, Its not a difficult or steep walk. However it is true it can be quite slippery after rain. There are exposed tree roots and rocks on the bush trail which need to be watched out for. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. We do provide walking poles for everyone. Hope that helps. it is a beautiful walk.

Hi there Tim, The ferry that leaves Wellington at 1.30pm will have you into Picton at 5.00pm which will give you time to catch our 6.00pm departure. We ask that if the ferry is going to be late for some reason then talk to the staff on board and they will contact us regarding the arrival time and we can make other plans for you if necessary. It will be easy to organise a private charter if this happens but I am sure you will make it in plenty of time. We have scheduled departures daily at that time of the year at 8.00am, 10.00am 1.30pm and 6.00pm. Our most popular delivery runs are at 10.00am and 1.30pm. We are able to collect you from the Resort during your stay there and take you further out to the Queen Charlotte Track should you wish to take a walk or go to Lunch and we can talk to you about that when you check in for your travel in February. I hope this helps with your plans and please contact us if you need any further info. Kind regards, Marion

Hi Alvin Taxi would be the best way to get to their terminal and the cost would be minimal for a cab. Cougarline office is right on the water and the view from their office is beautiful and right near the main shopping strip and the artisan market that always sets up for each cruise is right in front of their terminal too - so you will not only get a nice view of the Marlborough Sounds, you will be able to walk around the township as well. I've come to know the captains very well and they are highly knowledgeable - tell them Margaret from Sadd's wharf at Ruakaka says hi. I'd recommend you sit right up front next to the captain. The big boat gives commentary over a load speaker but on every boat it is possible to sit next to the captain who will chit chat with you personally along the way and point out local landmarks. The Queen Charlotte Track IS NOT "non strenuous walking" - save your mile for when you are in Picton - its a quaint little village with loads of opportunity for souvenir shopping or having a gelato and watching the world go by. A particular treat would be to buy fish and chips and sit on the foreshore and fight off the seagulls who will want your lunch! In terms of the boat trip - try to get on a locals run which will take you into the many bays where the residents get dropped off and you will see how people live and you will get to see "bachs" (pronounced batches - NZ holiday homes, some palatial, some just shacks, all with a unique character of their own). Just being on the boat is an extraordinary experience, and although you will see the sounds as your ship sails in, the true beauty is in the detail of the bays and coves. You could stop off at the resort at the Bay of Many Coves and have some lunch and a little walk around. ENJOY! This is a very beautiful spot and be sure to make time to just sit quietly with the energy of the place - it truly is special!

Hi, there are a number of options when visiting queen charlotte. I suggest that you contact the local Information centre, who provided us with excellent service and advice. The cougar line service we used was a taxi service to get us to the queen charlotte track and to pick us up at the end of the track 4 days later. There was limited commentary but it was not a sightseeing trip as such. The service was good.